U.S. patent application number 12/742122 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for water treatment apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to GAFFEY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED. Invention is credited to Philip Gaffey.
Application Number | 20110168608 12/742122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38896192 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110168608 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gaffey; Philip |
July 14, 2011 |
WATER TREATMENT APPARATUS
Abstract
A water treatment apparatus having a vessel defining a chamber
adapted to contain a water treatment chemical over which a dosing
liquid can flow from an inlet to form a dosing reservoir at the
bottom of the vessel. A supply of dosing liquid is connected to the
inlet. The interior of the vessel communicates with a conduit along
which an entraining pressurized flow of water can be fed for
treatment and via an opening in the conduit that is connected to a
bottom outlet of the vessel. A venturi is located in the conduit
adjacent the opening so that the velocity of the pressurized water
is increased as it passes over the opening and entrains a dosing
stream from the dosing reservoir into the pressurized flow. The
venturi also applies suction to the interior of the vessel, which
draws dosing liquid into the vessel from the supply.
Inventors: |
Gaffey; Philip; (Rossendale,
GB) |
Assignee: |
GAFFEY TECHNICAL SERVICES
LIMITED
Rossendale
GB
|
Family ID: |
38896192 |
Appl. No.: |
12/742122 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 15, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2008/003481 |
371 Date: |
February 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/86 ; 210/123;
210/127; 210/130; 210/136; 210/137; 210/205; 210/90; 210/95;
210/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 2103/42 20130101;
B01F 5/0428 20130101; C02F 1/688 20130101; B01F 1/0027 20130101;
C02F 2209/42 20130101; C02F 2209/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/86 ; 210/205;
210/97; 210/123; 210/136; 210/127; 210/90; 210/95; 210/137;
210/130 |
International
Class: |
C02F 1/68 20060101
C02F001/68; B01D 35/153 20060101 B01D035/153; B01D 35/157 20060101
B01D035/157; B01D 35/147 20060101 B01D035/147 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 13, 2007 |
GB |
0722229.2 |
Claims
1. A water treatment apparatus comprising a vessel defining a
chamber adapted to contain a water treatment chemical over which a
dosing liquid can flow from an inlet to form a dosing reservoir at
the bottom of the vessel; a supply of dosing liquid connected to
the inlet of the vessel; a conduit along which an entraining
pressurized flow of water can be fed for treatment and with which
the interior of the vessel communicates via an opening in the
conduit connected to an outlet from the dosing reservoir; and a
venturi located in the conduit adjacent the opening so that the
velocity of the pressurized water is increased as it passes over
the opening entraining a dosing stream from the dosing reservoir
into the pressurized flow, the venturi applying suction to the
interior of the vessel which draws said dosing liquid into the
vessel from the supply.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises
a safety valve that is adapted to open if the upper level of the
dosing reservoir reaches a predetermined level in the vessel.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the safety valve
comprises a mechanical air float valve that opens to communicate
the interior of the vessel with atmospheric pressure when the upper
level of the dosing reservoir reaches said predetermined level.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a non-return valve
is located between the outlet from the dosing reservoir and the
opening in the conduit to prevent any liquid flow from the conduit
into the vessel.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein a strainer is
located between the outlet from the dosing reservoir and the
non-return valve.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein a control valve is
provided to control the supply of dosing liquid to the inlet of the
vessel.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein a valve is located
between the non-return valve and the opening in the conduit, the
operation of said valve is linked to the operation of the control
valve.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the valve located
between the non-return valve and the opening in the conduit is a
pinch valve which operates to close a flexible tube carrying the
dosing stream from the non-return valve to the opening in the
conduit.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flow meter is
provided to allow the rate of flow of the dosing liquid to the
inlet of the vessel to be monitored.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supply of
dosing liquid comprises a supply chamber adapted to provide a
reservoir of dosing liquid to feed the dosing liquid supply.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the supply chamber
comprises a float valve to regulate and to maintain a consistent
level of dosing liquid in the supply chamber.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein a pressure gauge
is provided to allow the pressure of a source of dosing liquid to
the supply chamber to be monitored.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein chamber within the
vessel comprises an erosion plate defining an erosion chamber
adapted to contain chemical blocks through which the dosing liquid
can percolate and exit, after passing through the erosion plate, to
form the dosing reservoir.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the inlet is
located a predetermined distance above the erosion plate.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the inlet
comprises one or more nozzles adapted to control the distribution
of the dosing liquid over the chemical tablets.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein an orifice in each
nozzle is of a predetermined size dependent on the internal
cross-sectional area of the erosion chamber.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the vessel
comprises a lid with an airtight seal that can be opened to gain
access to the erosion chamber.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the lid is
transparent or incorporates a window in order that the lid does not
have to be removed to reveal the interior of the erosion
chamber.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a regulating valve
is provided to control the pressurized flow of water through the
conduit and thereby control the degree of suction applied to
interior of the vessel.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the regulating
valve is located in a by-pass stream that runs in parallel to the
conduit.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure gauge is
located in the conduit in order that the flow of pressurized water
through the venturi can be monitored.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein pressure gauges
are located both upstream and downstream of the venturi.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC
[0004] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus
and, in particular, to a chemical dosing apparatus for use,
primarily but not exclusively, in the sanitization of swimming
pools and other commercial and industrial water-related
processes.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art Including Information
Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
[0008] Conventionally, chlorine in the form of a calcium
hypochlorite solution is added to water as a method of water
purification to make it fit for consumption as drinking water and
also as a means of sterilizing the water in swimming pools. A
chlorine solution may also be used in a disinfection stage in
sewage treatment.
[0009] One method of chlorinating water is by using an erosion
feeder. In an erosion feeder water is passed over solid, compressed
calcium hypochlorite, which is slowly dissolved by the water and
gradually eroded away. Such feeders may form a part of a swimming
pool filtration system. In these systems, water under pressure is
pumped into the feeder to dissolve the chlorine tablets or sticks
which it contains. The flow and amount of chlorine introduced into
the water is regulated by a flow control arrangement. However,
these systems can be dangerous as the chlorine feeder is
pressurized by the water. If a breach in the pressure vessel
occurs, for example as a result of a fault or if an operative
inadvertently loosens the lid of the feeder, pressurized chlorine
gas, which is poisonous, can escape from feeder.
[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a water
treatment apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantage
and is simple yet safe to use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to the present invention there is provided a water
treatment apparatus comprising a vessel defining a chamber adapted
to contain a water treatment chemical over which a dosing liquid
can flow from an inlet to form a dosing reservoir at the bottom of
the vessel; a supply of dosing liquid connected to the inlet of the
vessel; a conduit along which an entraining pressurized flow of
water can be fed for treatment and with which the interior of the
vessel communicates via an opening in the conduit connected to an
outlet from the dosing reservoir; and a venturi located in the
conduit adjacent the opening so that the velocity of the
pressurized water is increased as it passes over the opening
entraining a dosing stream from the dosing reservoir into the
pressurized flow, the venturi applying suction to the interior of
the vessel which draws said dosing liquid into the vessel from the
supply.
[0012] Preferably, the vessel comprises a safety valve that is
adapted to open if the upper level of the dosing reservoir reaches
a predetermined level in the vessel. Advantageously, the safety
valve comprises a mechanical air float valve that opens to
communicate the interior of the vessel with atmospheric pressure
when the upper level of the dosing reservoir reaches said
predetermined level.
[0013] The provision of the safety valve means that the level of
the dosing reservoir can never rise to a level where it risks
submerging the treatment chemical in the dosing liquid, which would
lead to a high concentration of chemical solution being present
within the vessel that could jeopardize the safety of an operator
or cause excessive dosing of the water to occur. Operation of the
safety valve equalizes the pressure inside the vessel to
atmospheric pressure, which will immediately stop the flow of
dosing liquid into the vessel from the supply.
[0014] Preferably also, a non-return valve is located between the
outlet from the dosing reservoir and the opening in the conduit to
prevent any liquid flow from the conduit into the vessel. Such a
flow would prevent operation of the treatment apparatus as well as
causing the possible contamination and dilution of the dosing
stream.
[0015] Preferably also, the supply of dosing liquid comprises a
supply chamber adapted to provide a reservoir of dosing liquid to
feed the dosing liquid supply. Having a separate supply of dosing
liquid to that of the pressurized flow of water for treatment means
that the supply comprising the dosing liquid can be pre-treated as
may be appropriate, for example to remove excess alkalinity, which
could lead to scaling occurring within the vessel that would
compromise its effective operation.
[0016] Other preferred but non-essential features of the invention
are described in the dependent claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] An example of the present invention will now be described by
way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which;
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the general arrangement
of a water treatment apparatus according to the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of water
treatment apparatus produced in accordance with the diagram shown
in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the interior of a vessel of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 2; and
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a modified arrangement of
water treatment apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] With reference to the drawings, a water treatment apparatus
1 comprises a vessel 2 that defines an erosion chamber 3 in which
can be located a water treatment chemical 4. A dosing liquid is
arranged to flow into the erosion chamber 3 from a supply 5 via an
inlet 6 that distributes the liquid over its contents. Typically,
the water treatment chemical 4 contained within the chamber 3 will
comprise blocks of calcium hypochlorite in tablet or stick form and
the dosing liquid will comprise potable water in order that a
chlorine solution is created on contact between them. This dosing
liquid then exits the chamber 3 via an erosion plate 7 to form a
reservoir 8 at the bottom of the vessel 2. The erosion plate 7
comprises a perforated plate through which the dosing liquid can
pass but which retains within the erosion chamber all solid blocks
4 greater than a predetermined size. This is to prevent all but
very small pieces of the blocks 4 breaking off and falling into the
reservoir 8, which would adversely affect the concentration of the
dosing stream. Water to be treated is supplied to the apparatus 1
via a conduit 9 to which the reservoir 8 in the interior of the
vessel 2 is connected via an opening 10 in the conduit that is
connected to an outlet 11 from the reservoir 8 at the bottom of the
vessel 2. A venturi 12 is located in the conduit 9 adjacent the
opening 10 so that the velocity of the water passing along the
conduit 9 is increased as it passes over the opening 10 and
entrains a dosing stream from the reservoir 8 into the flow. As the
dosing stream enters the venturi 12 it is homogenized with the
water flow through the venturi 12 to produce a `sanitized` water
flow for use as desired, for example for feeding into a swimming
pool. As the venturi 12 operates, it also applies suction to the
interior of the vessel 2 which, as a consequence, draws more dosing
liquid into the vessel 2 from the supply 5.
[0023] The various features of this apparatus will now be described
in more detail.
[0024] The water to be treated must be supplied to the conduit 9 as
a motive pressurized water flow under pressure. This is necessary
because the water flow must be of sufficient flow and pressure to
develop an adequate suction or negative pressure within the vessel
2 in order that dosing liquid is drawn into it from the supply 5.
An appropriate flow can be supplied by external means, for example
as a pressurized water supply from a swimming pool circulation
system, or be boosted via an auxiliary booster pump 13. The flow of
water through the conduit 9 and thereby the degree of suction
applied to interior of the vessel 2 is controlled by a regulating
valve 14 which is located in a by-pass stream 15 that runs in
parallel to the conduit 9. Pressure gauges 16 are located in the
conduit 9 both upstream and downstream of the venturi 12 in order
that the flow of pressurized water through the venturi 12 can be
monitored. By adjusting the regulating valve 14, the water flow
through the by-pass stream 15 is controlled this thereby controls
the flow through the venturi 12, which has a direct effect on the
degree of suction produced. Any change in the suction also has a
direct effect on the rate of flow of the dosing liquid into the
vessel 2 from the supply 5. A non-return valve 17 is located
between the outlet 11 from the dosing reservoir 8 and the opening
10 in the conduit to prevent flow of motive water from the venturi
12 into the vessel 2 which would prevent adequate treatment of the
water within the conduit 9 and could contaminate and the reduce the
concentration of the dosing stream.
[0025] The by-pass regulating valve 14 can be controlled manually,
by using a hand-operated control valve, or automatically. Automatic
control can be achieved by using an electric or pneumatic diaphragm
or solenoid pinch valve providing open and closed cyclic control or
by using an electric or pneumatic ball, globe, needle or pinch
valve providing open and closed cyclic control with fine adjustment
via a control signal.
[0026] The vessel 2 comprises a tubular vessel which is split into
two portions by the erosion plate 7. Below the erosion plate 7 the
interior of the vessel is adapted to hold the reservoir 8 of dosing
liquid. Above the erosion plate 7 is the erosion chamber 3 for
holding the chemical blocks 4. The erosion chamber 3 is accessed
for maintenance and to replenish the blocks 4 of treatment chemical
via a lid 18 that has an airtight seal 19 around its periphery so
that air cannot be drawn into the vessel 2 from the exterior. A
sufficient stock quantity of chemical blocks 4 is necessary within
the erosion chamber 3 for an effective production of dosing
solution. The chamber 3 is therefore configured to be filled to
just below the lid 18 to provide a gravity stock feed of blocks to
the level of the chamber 3 below the inlet 6. The inlet 6 is
located a predetermined distance above the erosion plate 7 and is
connected to nozzles 20 which are adapted to control the
distribution of the dosing liquid over the chemical blocks 4. To
this end, the nozzles 20 preferably protrude into the chamber 3 and
an orifice in each nozzle 20 is adapted to be of a predetermined
size dependent on the internal cross-sectional area of the erosion
chamber 3. While a single nozzle 20 could be used, in order to
prevent the dosing liquid creating a preferential pathway through
the chemical blocks 4, preferably three nozzles 20 arranged at
120.degree. around the circumference of the vessel 2 are used. The
distance of the nozzles 20 above the erosion plate 7 together with
the effective distribution of the dosing liquid entering the
erosion chamber 3 controls the strength of the dosing solution
created within the erosion chamber 3 as the dosing liquid contacts
and flows past the chemical blocks 4.
[0027] In some embodiments, the lid 18 can be made transparent or
incorporate a window so that the state of the chemical blocks 4 can
be seen and can be replenished when required. This means that the
lid 18 does not have to be constantly removed to check on the
condition of the blocks 4, which would interrupt operation of the
apparatus.
[0028] It will be appreciated that when the venturi 12 creates
suction within the vessel 2, a motive dosing stream is created
between the supply chamber 5 and venturi 12. Normally, the dosing
stream exiting the vessel 2 from the reservoir 8 balances the
supply of dosing liquid entering the vessel 2 via the inlet 6.
However, it is possible that if an excessive degree of suction is
applied to the vessel 2 for a prolonged period of time preceding a
sudden loss of motive water flow through the venturi 12, the
negative pressure still present in the vessel 2 will continue to
create a flow of dosing liquid into the vessel 2 from the supply 5.
Hence, the level of the reservoir 8 will rise and, if not
interrupted, could continue to rise above the level of the erosion
plate 7 causing the chemical blocks 4 to become submerged in the
dosing solution. This is a potential hazard as a high concentration
of chemical solution will be present within the vessel 2 and could
jeopardize the safety of an operator when removing the lid 18. Such
a high concentration of dosing solution could also cause excessive
dosing of the water to occur when the apparatus 1 returns to normal
operation. In order to prevent this potential hazard from
occurring, a safety valve 21 is located within the vessel 2 that is
adapted to open if the upper level of the dosing reservoir reaches
a predetermined level in the vessel. In the present embodiment the
safety valve 21 comprises a mechanical air float valve that opens
to communicate the interior of the vessel 2 with atmospheric
pressure when the upper level of the dosing reservoir reaches a
level at which the float 22 of the valve 21 is located within the
vessel 2. This level is well below the level of the erosion plate
7. It will be appreciated that once the valve 21 is opened, the
pressure inside the vessel 2 is equalized to atmospheric pressure
which immediately stops the flow of dosing liquid into the vessel 2
from the supply 5.
[0029] In a water treatment apparatus for use in the treatment of
swimming pools or other water sanitizing purposes, the dosing
liquid is water which should be of potable standard. This is to
ensure that the dosing solution formed within the erosion chamber 3
is of an adequate concentration. If a potable water supply is not
available then alternative water supply sources may be used, for
example filtered pool water or a clean water process stream. It
will be appreciated, however, that in other applications of the
treatment apparatus, the dosing liquid may comprise a different
liquid which can be sourced appropriately.
[0030] An advantage of the invention is that it can use a separate
dosing liquid supply from that of the water supply forming motive
water flow. This enables the dosing liquid supply to be
preconditioned. If water comprises the dosing liquid, then in
applications where the supply water and/or motive water flow has a
total alkalinity content above 40 mg/l, typically owing to the
presence of calcium carbonate then scaling will occur in the vessel
2, both in the erosion chamber 3 and the reservoir 8, and also on
the erosion plate 7. Preconditioning of the supply water through a
process of dealkalisation can reduce and maintain levels of total
alkalinity below 40 mg/l, thereby eliminating the scaling and
thereby enable the apparatus to operate effectively in
geographically hard water areas. This is a considerable advantage
over conventional water treatment apparatus that do not use an
independent water supply for the dosing chemical erosion
process.
[0031] The source 5 of dosing liquid comprises a supply chamber 23
that is supplied with dosing liquid from a source 24 at a
predetermined minimum supply pressure, typically of 0.1 Bar, which
can be monitored by a pressure gauge 25. Preferably, there is an
air gap between the source 24 and the liquid level in the chamber
23, which is also arranged with a weir overflow (not shown). This
prevents backflow of liquid from the supply chamber 23 into the
source 24, which typically would be a mains water supply, and is
therefore a safeguard against mains contamination. Such an
arrangement complies with the standards of the U.K. water
authorities. The supply of dosing liquid to the chamber 23 is
regulated by a float valve 26 which maintains a consistent level of
dosing liquid in the chamber 23. It is important that the chamber
23 provides an adequate reservoir of dosing liquid to feed the
vessel 2 in order to ensure that there are no air gaps within the
supply and to prevent any danger of backflow. The flow of the
dosing liquid from the chamber 23 to the vessel 2 is controlled by
a control valve 27, which can be regulated by manual operation or
by an automated valve operation. In manual operation the valve 27
will comprise a manual, hand-operated control valve and the rate of
flow to the vessel 2 is monitored by using a rotameter or flow
meter 28. If the valve 27 is automatically controlled, the flow of
dosing liquid to the vessel 2 can be regulated by any of the
following optional control valve devices, namely an electric or
pneumatic diaphragm or solenoid pinch valve providing open and
closed cyclic control, or an electric or pneumatic ball, globe or
needle valve for open and closed cyclic control or by fine
adjustment via a control signal input to the valve.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an embodiment of the
apparatus suitable for use in the treatment of swimming pools and
the like, the supply chamber 23 can be located beneath the vessel 2
in order that the apparatus 1 has a compact configuration suitable
for use in a confined space.
[0033] One advantage of the apparatus is that it is self-regulating
as it pulls dosing liquid into the vessel 2 at the same rate as the
dosing stream leaves the reservoir 8. Another advantage of the
apparatus is that chlorination of the dosing liquid takes place
under negative pressure conditions. This means that should an
operator try to remove the lid 18 during operation, the flow of
dosing liquid into the vessel 2 will immediately cease. Hence, the
risk of water jet or spray exiting the vessel 2 via feeder lid area
as a result of this action is removed. Also, there can be no
build-up of dangerous fumes within the vessel 2 which could escape
if the integrity of the vessel 2 is compromised, which is a danger
in conventional apparatus. However, the dosing stream to the
venturi 12 will continue, even when the lid is removed, until the
reservoir 8 is used. This means that the lid 18 can be removed to
replenish the chemical supplies in the erosion chamber 3 without
interrupting the water treatment.
[0034] In a modified apparatus, as shown in FIG. 4, the outlet 11
from the reservoir 8 at the bottom of the vessel 2 is connected to
a strainer 29, which is located upstream of the non-return valve
17. The outlet of the valve 17 is then connected to a flexible tube
30, for example a silicone tube, which is connected to the opening
10 in the conduit 9. A solenoid-operated pinch valve 31 is provided
downstream of the valve 17 to open or close off the tube 30.
Operation of the pinch valve 31 is linked to the operation of the
control valve 27 so that both valves 27 and 31 open and close
simultaneously. It will be appreciated that in this modification
the valve 27 is automatically controlled. Other parts of the
apparatus are as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to
3.
[0035] This modified apparatus has several advantages. First, when
the control valve 27 is closed, the pinch valve 31 also closes at
the same time so that the reduced pressure within the vessel 2
created by the venturi 12 is maintained despite the dosing stream
being closed off. This means that when the valves 27 and 31 are
opened, the dosing stream is immediately reinstated as the pressure
within the vessel 2 does not have to be again reduced by operation
of the venturi 12. In addition, the dosing stream is immediately
cut-off by the valve 31 in response to the control signal. This
provides a highly accurate response time for cutting off and for
reinstatement of the dosing stream that can be valuable in some
applications of the apparatus. Second, the strainer 29, which could
be provided regardless of the use or otherwise of the pinch valve
31, prevents small pieces of dosing chemical 4 that have not
dissolved in the dosing stream from clogging the inlet 10 or the
tube 30. In addition, a mesh 32 within the strainer 29 acts as a
secondary dissolving/contact chamber for the chemical 4.
Preferably, for this purpose the strainer 29 comprises a `Y`
strainer and the mesh 32 has a mesh size between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm
inclusive. Finally, the use of the pinch valve 31 in combination
with the flexible tube 30 means that the dosing stream is always
completely cut-off when the valve 31 is closed because the valve 31
will close the tube 30 even if it is partially clogged by chemical
debris because it will pinch against it. This is preferable to
other forms of valve as the latter may become clogged by such
debris so that closure is only partial.
[0036] It will be appreciated that as the conduits along which the
dosing stream flows can become clogged by small pieces of dosing
chemical, it is important that during maintenance of the apparatus
these conduits are flushed out to remove it. To this end, the
apparatus preferably incorporates a branch 33 off the supply to the
inlet 6 that leads directly into the dosing reservoir 8. This
branch 33 is closed off during normal operation of the apparatus by
a valve 34 but during maintenance of the apparatus the valve 34 can
be opened to provide a flushing flow of liquid through the
reservoir 8, out of the outlet 11, through the strainer 29 and the
valves 17 and 31 and through the inlet 10 to flush away any solid
debris that may have accumulated.
[0037] It will be appreciated that in use the water treatment
apparatus of the invention has been primarily configured to provide
a safe and convenient method of sanitizing domestic, commercial and
municipal swimming pools and other commercial and industrial
water-related processes. Typically, the water is treated with a
dilute chlorine solution, namely calcium hypochlorite w/w=0.25% to
1.5% strength, by the use of conventional dry tablet or pellet
calcium hypochlorite. Output of the dosing chlorine solution is
regulated by manual or automatic valve adjustment in a flow range
typically but not limited to between 0 to 250 lph.
[0038] It will also be appreciated, however, that the apparatus
could be readily adapted for the treatment or dosing of water or
other liquids in other commercial and industrial processes and the
use of the term `water` herein and in the claims should be
interpreted appropriately to cover other liquids suitable for
dosing or treatment in a similar fashion.
* * * * *